Join us for a very special event as the past and the present come together to illustrate the evolution of the OB truck from the 1960’s until the present day.

This event gives a unique opportunity to see the restored BBC MCR21, the truck that brought us Winston Churchill’s funeral and the 1966 World Cup Final. MCR21 was the third unit of ten to be built for the BBC. The coachwork was by Marshalls of Cambridge and the technical installation was by Pye, which was first registered on the 12th of November 1963. These ten Outside Broadcast units, the “main fleet scanners”, formed the mainstay of the BBC’s fleet in the middle 1960’s until the advent of colour TV.

Alongside this vintage truck will be one of NEP UK’s very latest IP-based Outside Broadcast vehicles, part of a fleet of trucks which support the demanding needs of a wide range of OBs across sports, music and light entertainment. NEP UK’s cutting-edge fleet ranges from 4K and HD to VT and specialised support units providing flexible, bespoke and creative solutions that can adapt to any location and production.

From late afternoon the vehicles will be available to look around and give guests the opportunity to meet those who have experience of operating these trucks. Following refreshments, the evening session will be led by members of the Broadcast Television Technology Trust who, with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, have so painstakingly restored the 1960’s truck. This will be followed by members of the NEP team who will give some insights of the operation of a digital HD OB truck in 2024 … and some thoughts on OBs in the future.

Programme:

17.30   MCR21 and NEP Bravo open for viewing

18.45   Refreshments

19.15   Nick Gilbey and Brian Summers BTTT – MCR 21

            - special guest Harry Coventry – cameraman 1966 World Cup Final

20.00   Dafydd Rees, Head of Engineering and Technical Solutions Architecture – NEP UK

21.00 Event Closes

This event is likely to be over-subscribed, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets:

RTS Members: Free      

Non-Members: £10

Directions:

Address: Gemini House, Downmill Rd, Bracknell RG12 1QS

As you drive towards NEP, the car park is to the left of the building and guests can make their way through to reception from there. There will be limited spaces available so we would advise people to car share where possible. Otherwise if guests choose to travel by train, it is approximately a 20 minute walk from Bracknell train station, a 10 minute bus journey via X4 lion to Milbanke Way (the closest bus stop) or a 5 minute taxi journey.